Collagen: what it is used for and its benefits
All about the ingredient that plays a crucial role in skin care (and more)
G-Club
March 13th, 2024
March 13th, 2024
Collagen is an essential component of the structure of skin, tendons, bones and other connective tissues in the human body. Over the years, its endogenous production decreases, leading to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and joint problems. Therefore, collagen supplementation could be a solution to counteract these effects. In this article, we look in detail at the role of this protein: when is the right time to take it, what ingredients are included, what animal-free alternatives are available and whether the claims about its effectiveness are substantiated.
Interesting facts about collagen
Collagen not only plays an important role in the structure of the skin and other connective tissues, but was also used in the past as an adhesive for old books. When restoring manuscripts, conservators often applied a thin collagen solution to the damaged pages. This process helped to strengthen the paper backing and preserve the documents over time. Collagen is therefore not only a key element for skin care, but also played an unexpected role in preserving knowledge over the centuries. Therefore, it can support the structure and health of various tissues in the human body.
The "Collagen Glow Challenge" from TikTok
@glowupwithinah SHE REALLY SAID GLOWING SKIN! #collagen #collagenpowder #collagendrink #collagenviral #crystalglow #jrkdream #glow original sound - u
Recently, there have been many trends on TikTok about using collagen for skin, such as the Collagen "Glow Challenge": a challenge where users share their experiences of integrating collagen into their skincare routine to get glowing, healthy skin. In addition, many celebrities are incorporating collagen into their beauty routine in various ways.
Collagen: Celebrities who use it
Here are some examples of how some celebrities use collagen to maintain their beauty: Hailey Bieber shared how she uses skincare products with collagen to keep her skin young and glowing, mentioning how important a consistent routine is; Jennifer Aniston is known to incorporate collagen into her diet and use skincare products enriched with this element; Kourtney Kardashian shared on social media her preference for collagen-rich drinks as part of her daily wellness routine and believes this choice contributes to healthy skin, hair and nails; Gwyneth Paltrow, on the other hand, is a proponent of collagen supplements to keep her skin glowing and youthful. She has also included collagen-containing products in her skincare range with her company Goop; even Nicole Kidman has mentioned that she uses collagen-containing moisturisers and serums to keep her skin hydrated and resistant to ageing. These are just a few examples, and many other celebrities are incorporating collagen into their beauty routines in unique ways.
When you should take collagen
So where do we start? First of all, the decision to start taking collagen supplements depends on several factors, including age, lifestyle and individual needs. Some people start taking collagen at the age of 25-30 to prevent loss of skin elasticity and support joint health. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting to take supplements.
Drinking collagen, supplements and vegan alternatives
In terms of ingredients, collagen supplements can come from a variety of sources, including collagen types I, II and III, which can come from fish, cattle, pigs or even plant sources such as algae. It is important to read the product label carefully to know the origin of the collagen and ensure it is suitable for your dietary needs and preferences. For people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are also animal-free alternatives to collagen. Ingredients such as seaweed, vitamin C, zinc and copper can promote natural collagen production in the body. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these alternatives may vary from person to person.
What collagen is used for
@dr.mamina Collagen production in your skin is best achieved with topical products that promote collagen growth, such as retinoids, vitamin C and antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors. Topical collagen is great at hydrating, but doesn't really contribute to collagen production. Oral collagen supplements need more research to determine their effectiveness, but I think there is definitely some promise. The two products I mentioned that support collagen production are by @SeroVital and @Biosil #collagen #collagenproduction #collagensupplement #skintok #retinoid #vitaminc #antiaging #skincare #skintips #smoothskin #glowingskin #derm #drmamina original sound - Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD
When used topically, incorporating collagen into your beauty routine can be a smooth and rewarding process. Start by exploring the different collagen products on the market: These can be serums, creams or masks. Choose what best suits your needs and lifestyle. Before you start, you should also evaluate the type of collagen in the product: each type (I, II, III, etc.) has specific benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Type I collagen, which is the most common, is the main component of skin, bones, tendons and ligaments; it is responsible for the firmness and structure of the skin, helping to keep it elastic and reduce the formation of wrinkles over time. Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage. It is an ally for joint health as it promotes cartilage repair and helps people suffering from joint problems such as arthritis. Type III collagen is ubiquitous in muscles, blood vessels and the digestive system. It contributes to the structure of internal organs and blood vessels and supports healthy organs and connective tissue. Type IV is found in membranes and supports the structure of cell membranes; this is important to ensure proper organ function and maintenance of membrane integrity. Type V collagen, found in capillaries and some membranes, supports the formation of connective tissue and capillaries; this type of collagen contributes to healthy skin, hair and nails.
Collagen: Where do I start?
When using collagen for the first time, you should only use one product at a time, e.g. a serum or cream, so that your skin can gradually get used to the new ingredient. Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before use to remove make-up, impurities and sebum. Clean skin promotes optimal absorption of the collagen. Then apply the product to dry skin and gently massage it in for better absorption. Concentrate on the areas you want to treat, e.g. face, neck and décolleté. If you have a product specifically for the eye area, apply it gently and pat it in lightly; this can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporate collagen into both your morning and evening routine to maximise the benefits: You could opt for a light serum during the day and a more nutrient-rich cream at night. Monitor your skin over time to assess the results. You may notice an improvement in elasticity, radiance and skin texture.
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